Capri Leone is a small Italian municipality (of approximately 4500 inhabitants) belonging to the metropolitan city of Messina in Sicily and included in the Nebrodi area.
Its hilly position allows you to admire a large stretch of sea with the Egadi Islands.
From an etymological point of view, the Capri denomination seems to derive from the fact that the area was once home to numerous goats, roe deer and wild boars, while thenickname Leo refers to the courage of the inhabitants during Garibaldi's battles during the conquest of Sicily.
The first historical evidence of the municipality dates back to the XNUMXth century AD and refers to the Via Valeria, an important communication road that passed through the fortress of Capri Leone.
Around the end of the XNUMXth century there was a massive invasion of the place by the Byzantines, during which the first urban settlements arose in the hinterland, defended by typical fortifications, known as "casali". Capri Leone was subsequently invaded by the Saracens and Arabs, prompting the local inhabitants to build numerous watchtowers which still represent an interesting reminder of that period.
The original urban nucleus in fact stood on a hilly knoll, from which it was possible to see a large coastal stretch of the Tyrrhenian Sea, from which most of the invaders came.
In the eleventh century, the village came under the dominion of the Aragonese, who established an important control point for maritime and land trade.
In the middle of the XNUMXth century the noblewoman arrived Filangeri family, who settled permanently in Capri Leone thanks to its strategic position.
At the beginning of the 900th century the municipality was extensively renovated with conservation works of considerable value, also due to the interest of Mussolini who contributed to increasing trade with nearby centres, taking advantage of the proximity to the sea. Around the 50s, Capri Leone expanded towards the hinterland following the implementation of a master plan focused on the controlled urbanization of the peripheral areas.
Since then, the center has remained quite active from both a commercial and tourist point of view, becoming a favorite destination for many visitors.
What to visit in Capri Leone
Set in the picturesque mountain range of Nebrodi, Capri Leone is made up of a small upper village and the larger flat area (Rocca hamlet).
The historic center is full of valuable works of art, including the Sanctuary of Santa Maria di Tindari, which stands on the Rock and appears in its grandeur to anyone who arrives.
La basilica of Maria SS Annunziata it is instead located in a more secluded position, on the slopes of the centre, but is worth a visit for the elegance of the architectural style and for the numerous artistic works preserved in it.
An unmissable destination is the Church of San Costantino, testimony to the fact that Capri Leone is the only Sicilian center that has dedicated a building of worship to the emperor. Its origins, which date back to the XNUMXth century, are clearly visible in the style of the facade.
Located on the highest point of the municipality, the Church of Sant'Antonio Abate it is a wonderful example of local architecture and frames, with its imposing size, one of the most fascinating panoramas in the area.
In the historic center there are the two main squares of the town: Piazza Vittorio Emanuele e Lions Square, where it is possible to stop to admire interesting monuments, such as the monumental one Fountain of the Lions.
Dedicated to the historic mayor of the town, the Peppino Grasso Park it deserves a stop to rest in the shade of the many trees, which make the place a true oasis of peace and silence in the heart of the village.
Walking around Capri Leone you are struck by the magical atmosphere of times gone by that can also be felt in the outskirts, where ancient buildings with Mediterranean roofs contrast with other more typical towns. Thanks to a well-designed master plan, this small Sicilian town has kept its charm unchanged ancient medieval village and therefore offers the opportunity to spend moments of relaxation and tranquility.
How to reach Capri Leone
From Catania you can reach Capri Leone by taking the A-20 Messina-Palermo motorway, or the 289 highway, continuing (in both cases) towards the Rocca.
For those who travel on the train, the most convenient train station is S.Agata Militello (traveling from Palermo) or Capo d'Orlando (from Messina).
Those who get off at the airports of Punta Raisi (Palermo) or Fontana Rossa (Catania) must face a subsequent road transfer following the routes indicated above.
